In a USA Today interview in February, Seattle Mariners outfielder and American League Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez celebrated his girlfriend and soccer star Jordyn Huitema's sheer brilliance. Jordyn plays as a forward for the National Women's Soccer League club OL Reign and the Canada national soccer team.
"I would watch a lot of the World Cup because of my mom, but I definitely have a bigger reason to watch now. I love watching the games she plays and the strategy behind it," said Julio Rodriguez
Julio also lauded Huitema for her relentlessness and competitive nature to produce the best on the soccer field.
“I just feel like there’s so much teamwork involved, the way they’ve got to basically play together in order to make things happen,’’ Rodriguez says. “Everybody is connected on the field. I think that’s very cool, the teamwork, and how the whole environment works. She has such a great mentality, and so much knowledge. She is really a relentless girl, and such a big competitor. There are a lot of things I can learn from her, too.’’
"Finals today babyyyy 🇨🇦 vs 🇺🇸." - Jordyn Huitema
Julio Rodriguez and Jordyn Huitema met via social media. It was Huitema who reached out to Rodriguez. They made their romance public on November 1, 2022, posting a mushy picture on Instagram to announce their relationship.
Like Julio Rodriguez, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson found his soulmate in soccer star Mallory Pugh
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson found his soulmate in soccer star Mallory Pugh. Pugh plays as a forward for the National Women's Soccer League's Chicago Red Stars.
The athletic pair met through a mutual friend in 2017 and began dating a few months later. Back in 2017, Swanson played with the Atlanta Braves (2016–2022). He was instrumental in helping the Braves win the World Series in 2021.
"For the very first time… Mr. and Mrs. Swanson!" - Dansby Swanson
Right after clinching the 2021 World Series title, Dansby got engaged to Mallory a month later, in December. A year later, in December 2022, the duo tied the knot in front of family and friends.